Maru urges forest authority to start on special projects

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has challenged the PNG Forest Authority to commence work on its special forest projects.

However, he admits funding still remains a challenge.

The special forest industrial parks will cover Vanimo, Central, East New Britain and Morobe of which PNG Diwai Holdings Limited would buy logs from landowners to be processed at these sites.

Minister Maru commended the government for driving the Downstream Processing agenda however, he says funding has to be made available to start the project.

" We as government can't keep talking. We put our money where our mouth is. Provide the equity, through state equity, funding which are responsible for, or some other funding, and let's get the first one going."

Maru called on the PNG Forest Authority through the newly established entity to partner with the private sector to develop facilities to meet global market demand.